Law & Social Media

Semester: Spring 2013

Class Unique: 29177

Course ID: 279M

Credit Hours: 2

Social media has revolutionized how we share, consume, and interact with all forms of digital content. As with any revolution, the changes brought by social media touch on all aspects of our life—including our legal system. This revolution is still in its infancy, but the growth spurt brought by the explosion of popular social networks and technologies has forced our legal system to adapt old rules to new methods and create new rules as needed. This course will discuss the spectrum of legal topics being impacted by social media: from marketing to intellectual property, employment to privacy. You will also explore the role that lawyers in law firms and within organizations face when addressing these changes and the emerging risks. From Facebook to Pinterest, Foursquare to Quora, we’ll explore how these platforms are changing our application of existing laws. And from the case of Honda Eddie to the decision involving BMW Hot Dogs, we’ll go over the early cases forging a path into this brave new world. By the end of the semester you will understand the social media legal issues and the methods being used by attorneys to address these risks and how to spot the next trouble area when it emerges.